Hello,
- What did you learn about yourself (as a person) as a result of participating in this class (good and bad): I learned that I am very detailed oriented. Quite often this is a good thing however sometimes simple is better and this is a lesson I truly need to take to heart. I also learned that incorporating technology into the classroom is very time consuming and can be difficult. However, with that being said it is totally worth it and strong planning is essential.
- What did you learn about being a teacher from creating your products: I learned that sometimes homework is awful. I much prefer to be the teacher designing the project than the student completing it. I've realized that clear detailed instructions are ESSENTIAL. In particular when trying a new piece of technology and/or app. Also doing the project and creating examples for the students will help identify some of the pitfalls and potential issues.
- What you are most proud of as a result of doing your products: I'm most proud of learning the how and why behind everything. With each lesson there was a specific reason we completed the assignment which made it meaningful learning. I want to be more conscientious of this in my classroom, making sure, students understand the "why" we are learning or using this piece of technology. I also just learned a lot about other various resources out there and went more in depth with resources I was already familiar with. The class has also made me think more abstractly as a teacher and push me out of my comfort zone. Making me think "how will I use this in my classroom".
- What you would do differently next time you use technology: Demonstrations! As a teacher I assume kids know how to use different websites or apps because they are in the "technology generation" or I expect that other teachers would have taught them things prior. This is not the case. I know that taking a few extra minutes upfront will save lots of time in the end.
- What you are most concerned about with using technology and how you will overcome obstacles with technology: Time... depending on the project or assignment thinking will kids have enough of an opportunity to get this assignment done. I think making adjustments accordingly and make students accountable for their end products. Also technology is very undependable. Always have a back up plan.
- What you are most concerned about with teaching and how you will overcome obstacle: My greatest concern with teaching honestly changes on a daily basis. I worry about the most minute details sometimes that are completely unnecessary. Somedays I worry about classroom management, the next day I'll worry about not doing enough labs, and then at night I'll worry about did I explain something well enough.
- What you are most excited or intrigued about with regards to using technology: I liked making the movies and think I could easily and practically utilize this in my classroom.
- What you are most excited or intrigued about with teaching: Everyday is something new and that I hopefully will never become complacent.I'm excited to use some of the ideas I've learned in this class and use them with my students in January. Come the spring semester each student will have their own iPad which I know will drastically change my teaching.
- Which century will you teach in--the twentieth or twenty-first and what indicators will be present that most epitomize your classroom:
- What difference will you make: I hope to